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Design - The Emotion of Boxes: Wenli College History Museum Space Renovation by Xinxing Architecture
Architectural DesignEducational Buildings

The Emotion of Boxes: Wenli College History Museum Space Renovation by Xinxing Architecture

A campus space where students can freely express themselves

by 24designclub

In early 2020, Xinxing Architecture was invited by Beike Silicon Alley to transform an abandoned history museum at Xi’an Wenli College into a multi-functional space for students’ daily social interactions, learning, graduation exhibitions, competitions, and entrepreneurship. After stripping away the elements that did not belong, the history museum revealed its original form: a symmetrical box. A bold and playful idea arose in the designer’s mind. How would more boxes combined together create sparks?

Designing within the existing building shell always presents challenges. Considering the spatial scale and the extremely limited project budget, the design needed to ensure the realization of the project’s functionality while maintaining the overall concept. By introducing a mezzanine level, utilizing skylights for natural light, and creating an atrium, the designers implemented a series of techniques to maximize space utilization.

 

We wanted to create a box-shaped “Emotion Hall” for young students, where they are trusted and can confidently showcase themselves. Along one side of the grand staircase at the main entrance is a display platform for student work. On the other side are two “boxes” built with semi-transparent red glass. These two red transparent boxes become the only color in the space, wrapping around the central staircase that connects them.
The design preserves the original roof structure of the building, allowing sunlight to pour through the atrium and illuminate the social square behind. Students enjoy gathering here in small groups to chat. The project plans show the layout of each floor and its functions. The floor plans reveal the arrangement of various spaces within the building.

Project Information:

Project Name: Beike Silicon Alley · Wenli Huiyou
Design Firm: Xinxing Architecture (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd.
Contact Email: [email protected]
Project Design & Completion Year: 2021
Lead Designer & Design Team
Lead Designer: Wang Zhenjun, Hou Chan
Team: Ma Zihan, Li Zhen
Project Address: Xi’an Wenli College
Building Area: 1500 square meters
Photographer: Li Shengyang

An empty and raw industrial space with exposed brick walls, concrete columns, and a skylight. The floor is made of dirt and there are construction materials scattered around.
A cross-section illustration depicts the current situation of an empty rectangular space with a grid-like ceiling structure and a shadow cast on one wall.
A modern and spacious interior design featuring a large open-plan space with high ceilings and an abundance of natural light. The room is filled with people engaged in various activities such as reading, working on laptops, or socializing. The design incorporates a mix of seating options including benches, chairs, and couches, as well as a central staircase leading to a mezzanine level. The color scheme is predominantly black and white, with accents of red adding a pop of color.
A modern and spacious interior featuring a large staircase with orange accents and a black and white color scheme. The space is well-lit and has a minimalist design with clean lines and simple furniture. People can be seen walking around the area, adding to the dynamic atmosphere of the room.
Two individuals engrossed in work or study at a modern, minimalist workspace with black bookshelves and orange accents
A modern library interior with a reflective ceiling that distorts the image of the bookshelves below. Two people sit on a couch in front of a large bookshelf filled with books.
A modern library interior with black bookshelves and orange accents. The space features a large staircase with seating areas and a mezzanine level filled with books.
A modern office space featuring a multi-level staircase with white steps and orange accent furniture. The staircase serves as both a functional element and a seating area for employees. The interior design incorporates clean lines, open spaces, and a neutral color palette with pops of orange. In the background, there is a kitchen area with a red sign that reads '累了给自己充电', which translates to 'Tired? Charge yourself up.'
A modern library interior with two levels of bookshelves and orange accent furniture. The upper level features a large window and a black railing, while the lower level has a white perforated metal screen and a gray sofa. The books on the shelves are arranged in neat rows.
Two individuals in motion on a multi-tiered staircase with modern design elements and orange accents. They pass by white and orange seating areas while ascending the stairs. In the background, a glass partition reveals an office space with a meeting area and a sofa.
A modern library interior with bookshelves lining the walls and orange accents throughout. There is a seating area in the foreground with white furniture and an orange armchair. The ceiling features a unique design with black and white books arranged in a pattern.
Two people sitting at a table in a modern orange and black cafe with large windows and a sign that reads "Yesterday Tomorrow"
A modern office space featuring two large orange glass structures with white vertical poles in between them. Two people can be seen walking through the space.
A modern glass ceiling with geometric patterns and hanging light fixtures in an atrium
A modern and open office space with a high ceiling and large windows allowing natural light to fill the room. The floor is adorned with gray stone-like seating and wooden tables, while the walls are painted in a calming green color. The hanging lights add an artistic touch to the space.
A modern light installation featuring long, thin, white pendant lights suspended from the ceiling in an abstract pattern. The lights cast a soft glow onto the seating area below, which is blurred out and appears to be a public space with chairs and tables.
A detailed architectural plan showcasing the layout and design elements of a modern building. The plan includes a central atrium with a skylight, a student center hall, a reading area, a pantry, a stairway, and an entrance. The plan also features a mezzanine office area, a meeting area, and a show stage.
A detailed floor plan showcasing the layout and design of a modern building with various sections including discussion rooms, a staircase area, recording room, pantry, social garden, and rehearsal area.
A detailed floor plan illustration showing the layout of a multi-functional space with meeting rooms, study areas, and office spaces.

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